Your opinion matters – please help us with our Angus Common Allocations Policy Review

We introduced the current Common Allocations Policy in November 2020 along with the introduction of our new online housing application and choice-based lettings system.

We and our Common Housing Register partners (Hillcrest Homes, Caledonia Housing Association Ltd., and Blackwood Homes) want to know what you think of our current Common Allocation Policy.

Our Common Housing Allocations Policy sets out:

• how to register for housing;

• how we assess and prioritise bids for housing based on housing need;

• how we advertise available homes to meet the needs of housing applicants on our Common Housing Register.

As part of the review we are consulting widely with individuals, tenants, current applicants and staff. Our aim is to ensure that the policy is open, transparent, fair and easy to understand.

We welcome your input and would like to invite you to complete a short survey on Angus Common Allocations Policy as part of the consultation to help inform our policy review.

The survey closes on Monday 30th May 2022.

Thank you for your participation.

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Scottish Learning Disability Week 2022

What is Scottish Learning Disability Week?

Scottish Learning Disability Week happens in May each year. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of issues that matter to people with learning disabilities. It’s also a chance to have fun and celebrate the achievements of people with learning disabilities.

What is the theme?

This year’s theme is ‘We all have human rights!”

The Scottish Commission for Learning Disabilities wants to raise awareness of the human rights of people with learning disabilities. The human rights of people with learning disabilities are not always recognised and this needs to change.

Join the Commission this Scottish Learning Disability Week, to help people with learning disabilities to recognise and realise their human rights.

For more information

Visit the website

Facebook: @ScotCommission

Twitter: @SCLDNews

Instagram: @scldnews

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Tenant Hardship Fund still available

Have you accumulated rent arrears because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Tenant Hardship Fund could clear some of the arrears. We are delighted to be able to announce that despite previously advertising that the fund would close at the end of March, we are now able to continue accepting applications.

You may be able to get limited financial help if you’re a social or private sector tenant in Angus who built up rent arrears between March 2020 and August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You will need to apply for help and provide evidence that the pandemic affected your ability to pay rent.

How to apply?

Tenants who live in Angus can apply online.

As part of your application, you will need to provide details about:

• your tenancy
• your rent arrears
• why the pandemic affected your ability to pay rent

You will also be asked to provide evidence of your income during the period. For example:

• evidence of your income from employment (wageslips; a reduction in your income, such as furlough or reduced hours)
• evidence of other income during the period (such as whether you were claiming benefits)
• bank statements

Funding is limited and applicants must provide full evidence of their arrears and why the pandemic affected their ability to pay their rent.

To apply for funding, please use our online application form.

Update: Housing Repairs in Montrose, Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir

From Monday 11 April 2022 our new repairs contractor, QAPM, will carry out repairs in Montrose, Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir.   We will return to a full repairs service on Monday 25 April 2022.

What Repairs will be possible?

In addition to addressing all repairs that have been reported and put on hold during the restricted service timescale we will continue to carry out new emergency repairs, including repairs covered by right to repair legislation, in occupied properties and this includes:

• loss of heating or hot water – Total loss of both heating and hot water with no electric shower
• an uncontainable leak
• sewage backing up and overflowing into the property
• a serious security problem, such as a front door that cannot be locked
• loss or part loss of essential services, such as water or electricity
• unsafe power or lighting sockets or electrical fittings.
• a blocked flue to an open fire or boiler.
• external windows, doors or locks which are not secure.
• blocked sink, bath or drain
• blocked or leaking foul drains, soil stacks or toilet pans where there is no other toilet in the house.
• insecure external window, door or lock
• unsafe path or step
• toilet not flushing where there is no other toilet in the house
• unsafe power or lighting socket or electrical fitting
• loose or detached banister or handrail
• unsafe timber flooring or stair treads
• mechanical extractor fan in internal kitchen or bathroom not working.

You can report all repairs to ACCESSLine on 03452 777 778.

If you are unsure that your repair is included on the list above, please call and report it.

What about repairs that have already been reported?

We are aware that a number of tenants in these areas are waiting for outstanding repairs to be completed in their properties. The outgoing contractor MPS will continue to address these. 

If you have reported a repair before 11 March 2022, and this has not yet been completed, please email us at outstandinghousingrepairs@angus.gov.uk with the following details, and we will escalate this for you.                                                                              

•          Name

•          Address

•          Date repair was reported (if you have this)

•          Details of the repair required.

•          Contact email address and telephone number

We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the recent disruption and assure we will try to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.

Child Poverty Survey

Our Children and Learning Directorate want to understand and support children and families who may have ‘Lived Experience of Child Poverty’, and have created a survey to get views.

They are keen to explore how their services are accessed, if there are any challenges for people from different backgrounds, and what services or benefits you would like them to improve upon. They want to hear from:

•          Adults and children with an additional support need or disability

•          Young mothers (under 25yrs), single parents, families with a child under 1year old

•          People from an ethnic minority background

•          People suffering from poor mental health.

•          Other people who may wish to participate

The survey will take just a few minutes to complete and the information you share may make a difference to how they do things. To access the survey please click on the link below.

Service User Questionnaire

The survey closes on Friday 15 April

A Message for Ukrainian People and Hosts in Angus

Like all Local Authorities across Scotland, we are working closely with the UK and Scottish Governments to support refugees coming from Ukraine. At the moment, we’re still finalising the detail of these arrangements.

However, if you have arrived from Ukraine through the UK or Scottish sponsor schemes, and need help, or if you are a host sponsor providing accommodation, and your guests from Ukraine need help, please contact our ACCESSLine on 03452 777 778. We can then work out what type of support you need, and direct you to the appropriate help, such as benefits advice, information on schools, getting medical assistance, or emergency cash payments to help with short term essential living expenses. Please be aware that visa checks will be required.

If you are a host sponsor waiting to receive the £350 monthly payment, we will arrange this once we’ve done the required disclosure and property checks. We will arrange these checks once we have confirmation of your details from the Scottish or UK Government authority supporting this process. Thank you for your patience as we set up these arrangements